What is the difference between a passport and an identity card (ID card)?

An ID card is a small card the size of a bank card. This makes it easy to carry with you in your purse or wallet.

From 2 August 2021, all ID cards issued to Dutch nationals aged 12 and older will include copies of two of their fingerprints and a QR code with their citizen service number (BSN).

A passport is more expensive than an ID card.

Find out what the fees for applying for a Dutch passport or ID card abroad are on Government.nl.

If you apply for a Dutch passport in the Netherlands, the price may vary by municipality.

If you apply for a Dutch passport abroad, you may be asked to pay in the currency of the country where you submit your application instead of in euros. Find out what the fees for applying for a Dutch passport or ID card in your country or region are.

An ID card costs less than a passport.

Find out what the fees for applying for a Dutch passport or ID card abroad are on Government.nl.

If you apply for a Dutch ID card in the Netherlands, the price may vary by municipality.

If you apply for a Dutch ID card abroad, you may be asked to pay in the currency of the country where you submit your application instead of in euros. Find out what the fees for applying for a Dutch passport or ID card in your country or region are.

You can log in using DigiD and your ID card if the card was issued on or after 4 January 2021. Log in this way to government websites, for example. You will be given an ID card that can be used for login purposes only if you have a citizen service number (BSN) at the time you submit your application.

Read more about logging in using DigiD and an ID card.

You can have your passport sent to you if the postal service in your country is reliable. This is usually the case. If it is not, you will have to collect your passport in person from the embassy, consulate-general or external service provider where you submitted your application.

Read more about applying for a Dutch passport or ID card if you live abroad.

For security reasons, you must collect an ID card that can be used for login purposes in person from the embassy, consulate-general or external service provider where you submitted your application. If your country offers postal services with ID verification, you can have your ID card sent to you.

Read more about applying for a Dutch passport or ID card if you live abroad.

You can travel to any country in the world with a passport.

If you will be travelling abroad, check for how long your passport must be valid and whether you will require a visa. Ask the embassy or consulate of the country to which you are travelling for more information. 

You can travel to most countries in Europe with an ID card.

Find out on Government.nl which countries you can travel to with a Dutch ID card (information in Dutch).

If you will be travelling abroad, check for how long your ID card must be valid and whether you will require a visa. Ask the embassy or consulate of the country to which you are travelling for more information.